Which antidepressant is best for cardiac patients?

Which antidepressant is best for cardiac patients?

The antidepressants sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) have been the best studied, are effective and safe in patients with heart disease, and also are available in generic forms.

Does depression predict cardiovascular health?

In fact, depression is the strongest predictor of death in the first decade after a heart disease diagnosis. “We are confident that depression is an independent risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with established heart disease,” said Robert Carney, Ph.

Is depression a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

While being diagnosed with heart disease or having a heart attack may increase the risk of depression, depression itself may increase the chances of developing heart disease.

Can antidepressants help with heart problems?

The researchers concluded that SSRIs or other antidepressant treatments could help manage heart disease.

Do SSRIs affect heart?

When the study team looked at different types of antidepressants, as well as dosage and duration, it concluded there was “no significant association” between SSRIs and an increased risk for heart attack, stroke or an irregular heartbeat.

Which antidepressant does not cause QT prolongation?

Fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline used in post-acute coronary syndrome patients did not demonstrate risk of QTc prolongation. Conclusion: For clinicians who choose not to use citalopram due to recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations, other antidepressants within this class may be considered.

What is myocardial depression?

Abnormal cardiomyocyte function, termed myocardial depression, is defined by contractile dysfunction, impaired relaxation, or both. These intrinsic cardiomyocyte abnormalities lead to decreased systolic and/or diastolic cardiac performance.

Why is depression a risk factor for CAD?

In patients with known CAD, depression predicts long-term mortality. In prospective studies in which c socioeconomic status, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and preexisting heart disease were controlled for, depressed affect and hopelessness were independent risk factors for fatal and nonfatal CAD.

Do SSRIs cause heart problems?

Does Prozac affect the heart?

PROZAC because this can cause serious heart rhythm problems or sudden death.

Do SSRIs affect heart rate?

Although the effect of SSRIs on HRV is weaker than for TCAs, evidence shows that SSRIs are associated with a small decrease in HR, and an increase in one measure of HRV. The use of TCAs in depression leads to changes in HRV that are associated with increased risk of mortality.

Can antidepressants shorten your life?

The analysis found that in the general population, those taking antidepressants had a 33 percent higher risk of dying prematurely than people who were not taking the drugs. Additionally, antidepressant users were 14 percent more likely to have an adverse cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or a heart attack.

Do anti-depressants help with depression in cardiac patients?

Anti-depressant medications, most commonly used are those in the SSRI class, have been demonstrated to improve depression in cardiac patients, particularly those with recurrent or severe depression. 16–18 Patients with more severe or recurrent depression generally need referral for formal psychiatric consultation (Table 1 ).

Does depression have a role in cardiovascular health?

Although research is yet to clearly and consistently identify cardiovascular benefits in this regard, depression is a fundamental determinant of quality of life. In addition, it is a major determinant of patient adherence to appropriate medical and life-style strategies.

Is there a role for depression in CVD patients?

Depression is common in CVD patients and is linked to higher mortality and morbidity rates. There is sufficient evidence to support the introduction of exercise, talking therapies, and anti-depressant medications to reduce depression in CVD patients.

What is the prevalence of depression in patients with cardiac disease?

The reported prevalence of depression in patients with cardiac disease is quite variable. It has long been recognized that mild forms of depression are found in up to two-thirds of patients in hospital after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with major depression generally being found in ∼15% of CVD patients.